Back to a V8 after 30 years

[tgrfan2]

First I want to say I loved my 2018 3500 SRW CTD except for DEF and the 68 RFE. My trusted mechanic left my area and the truck was out of warranty.
I have watched and read a good bit about the 6.4 recently. I have been looking and comparing trucks online. I drove one 2500 gasser and have a friend that has a 2022 7.3 Ford after years of Ford diesels.
I have over 50 years experience hauling heavy with pickups so please no 2500/3500 arguments. I grossed 32,500# hauling grain for years with a 1978 W150 440 automatic and 3.55 gears. If I could find "the" 3500 SRW, I would definitely go that route.
I am looking at post Covid probably 2023 to 2025 trucks. So far, it seems unless you buy Tradesman the puck system (I still have my hitch) and 4.10 gears are like hen's teeth! I am looking at Big Horns this time so it looks like I might need to add both to a 4X4 truck. Has anyone done either? I see where the puck parts run about $500. It doesn't look that difficult to add if I were 20 years younger! My rear end guy is long gone and I am really hesitant to trust anyone new on that project.

 

[Bearcatrp]

My 2021 Ram 3500 SRW, crew cab, long bed with the 8 speed has been flawless. Has the puck system. At 53000 now. Had a 2014 Ram 1/2 ton, the a 2017 3/4 ton with 6.4, then my 3500. It’s rock solid. My 6.4 with the 8 speed pulls my 12000 lb 5th wheel with ease. Good luck on your search.

 

[tgrfan2]

Thanks. So far, I have found one 2025 2500 with 4.10s and a 2024 3.73 with the puck system. This may be as hard as finding my '98 12V!

 

[White six four]

Are 4.10s as needed with the new 8 speeds behind the 6.4s? I wish I didn't have the 3.73s in my 16 2500 but I also have the 66rfe.

 

[dieselscout80]

My 2500 shifts into 8th before 60 mph and will stay in eighth down to around 45 mph.

Some people say the 3.73 6.4 don’t get into 8th till around 70 mph.

I really like my 4.10s but I haven’t driven the 3.73 hemi 6.4L.

 

[joesstripclub]

Thanks. So far, I have found one 2025 2500 with 4.10s and a 2024 3.73 with the puck system. This may be as hard as finding my '98 12V!

What are you trying to tow with the new truck? I would imagine 3500s are more likely to come with the puck system as they generally have much higher payload than 2500s so are better suited for a 5th wheel. I have heard that the puck system is not much fun to install yourself but I dont have any personal experience with it.

 

[Bearcatrp]

My 6.4 with 8 speed shifts into 8th around 60 to 65, depending on terrain. Can ease off the pedal to get it 8th around 55. Has to be level roads though.

 

[Dean2]

I have the 3.73 in a 2021 2500. The low gears in the 8 sp more than makeup for 4.10s. Also, tow haul or using the gear limiter solves the shift too early or hunt on hills. I would not worry about the gear ratio. It is a non event and why the 4.10s have become hard to find.

Mine has the factory puck system. Very slick setup.